TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Eight identified fisherfolk groups under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) recently received a total of ₱2.5 million worth of aquaculture inputs in August 2025 in Lanao del Norte.

The intervention aims to strengthen the capacity of local fisherfolk and fish farmers in the province, marking the start of their aquaculture livelihood initiatives this year.

In particular, a total of 393,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings were distributed to the upland municipalities of Tangcal, Munai, Tagoloan, Matungao, Baloi, and Magsaysay in Lanao del Norte, along with 1,015 bags of initial feeds and 168 bags of agricultural supplies. These inputs benefited 243 members, enhancing their tilapia pond culture, increasing fish production, and improving food security and livelihood opportunities within their communities.

Likewise, 25,000 bangus fingerlings and 140 bags of initial feeds were distributed in the coastal area of Linamon, Lanao del Norte, to support operations using a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cage, which was also officially turned over to the group by BFAR for Calendar Year (CY) 2025. This HDPE cage serves as an additional unit to the bamboo cage previously operated by the group in 2023–2024, bringing the total to two operational cages as of this year.

According to LDN Provincial Fishery Officer, Jerose G. Acut, this initiative is part of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component of the SAAD Program Phase II and forms part of the program’s six-year transformative effort aimed at reducing poverty and improving the lives of marginalized communities. 

“Kani nga pagpanghatag nagpakita sa tinuod nga pagpaningkamot ni BFAR nga matabangan ang atong mga gagmay’ng mananagat. Sa ingon ani nga paagi, ang programa dili lamang nagtubag sa isyu sa pagkaon apan naghatag usab kini ug kontribusyon alang sa kataas nga kalamboan ug pagpadayon sa sektor sa pangisdaan sa Lanao del Norte.” 

[This distribution shows BFAR’s sincere effort to help our small fisherfolk. In this way, the program not only addresses the issue of food security but also contributes to the long-term growth and sustainability of the fisheries sector in Lanao del Norte.]

Moreover, by investing in these communities, the program not only addresses immediate food security needs but also fosters resilience, promotes sustainable aquaculture practices, and ensures that the benefits of these interventions will be sustained for future generations.